National Teams
2026 WCQ: Rohr urges caution despite South Africa sanction boosting Benin’s hopes
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has called for focus and humility as his side heads into the final stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite a major boost from FIFA’s recent sanction on Group C rivals South Africa.
FIFA penalized Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their qualifier against Lesotho in March.
The disciplinary action resulted in a three-point deduction, reshaping the standings and significantly improving Benin’s qualification prospects.
The revised table sees Benin now top Group C with 14 points—level with South Africa but ahead on goal difference.
However, Rohr, who previously coached Nigeria’s Super Eagles, remains cautious as his team prepares for crucial away fixtures against Rwanda and Nigeria.
“We’ll approach the last two matchdays with great humility,” Rohr said, speaking to Foot Africa following the FIFA ruling. “We still have two extremely tough matches, away to Rwanda and Nigeria.”
Rohr also highlighted the challenges his team has faced due to the lack of home fixtures.
“South Africa will play twice at home. In fact, out of their ten matches, they will have played seven in South Africa. As for us, for the past two and a half years, we haven’t played a single game in Benin. All our matches have been away.
“It’s a small miracle to still have a chance in these conditions. But it will be extremely difficult given our schedule.”
Despite the uphill task, Rohr remains hopeful, urging his players to stay focused and seize the opportunity.
“We’ll remain determined, of course. Maybe it’s a twist of fate. It’s up to us to make the most of it, even if it’s going to be very, very tough.”
Meanwhile, South Africa will look to recover in their remaining matches—both on home soil—against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, followed by Rwanda in Mbombela.
The final two matchdays of Group C are set to be decisive, with Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, and Rwanda all still mathematically in contention for the sole automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
